Minister of Culture: Historic decree to allow women to drive was welcomed by everyone

The Saudi Minister of Culture and Information Dr Awwad bin Saleh al-Awwad praised King Salman Bin Abdelaziz’s decree granting women driving licenses calling it a historic one.

He added in a statement that women can now take their proper place and participate in the wheel of development in accordance with Shari'a regulations.

Dr al-Awwad said that this decision affirms the continuation of the reform and development process in the Kingdom, in which Saudi women constitute a major part in.

The minister stated that the leadership has taken the steps to provide all the requirements and infrastructure to create a suitable environment for women to drive safely in the Kingdom including the provision of driving institutes.

He added that the decision emphasizes the great role of King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman in preserving the Kingdom's principles that are based on the teachings of Islam while continuing the march of reform at all levels.

Al Awad explained that Saudi women are a major part of the Vision 2030 vision. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman wants to increase the participation of women in the labor market and to continue to develop their talents, the minister added.

Vision 2030 has established organizational policies to ensure the effective participation of women in the decision-making process as well as developing their role in society through enhancing the public confidence in their capabilities through activating regulations and facilitating women's leadership.

Dr al-Awwad stressed that this decision will create a social quantum leap and develop a positive outlook on life amongst the different groups within the Saudi society as well as remove the unfounded presumed fears that has long hindered development.